100 signatures reached
To: Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler
Protect Non-violent Protesters in Portland
"It’s like adding gasoline to a fire," is what Gov. Kate Brown had to say about federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies occupying Portland, Oregon. These agents are agitating peaceful protests, arresting protesters without cause and gassing indiscriminately. They do not display badges and drive unmarked vehicles. State and local leaders have acknowledged the harmful presence of the agents and have demanded they leave. The acting secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf has refused. Ask Governor Brown and Mayor Wheeler to send local and state officers to protect protesters from the illegal actions of federal agents.
Why is this important?
Portland has a long history of protests. President George H W Bush referred to my hometown as "Little Beirut" because he was greeted by protests as soon as he stepped off the plane. I have personally attended many demonstrations. I felt safe enough to bring my young daughter and her friends. Portland demonstrations are largely peaceful, orderly and more like a festival than a protest.
Since the DHS and other federal agents have arrived this has not been the case. I will continue to protest for a cause that I feel needs attention but I no longer feel safe. The lives and physical welfare of innocent citizens are at risk.
Our government leaders need to take action to protect Portlanders exercising their 1st Amendment rights. While Governor Brown and Mayor Wheeler may not have the authority to order the federal agents to leave, they can send the state and local police to stand between them and the protesters. This is an opportunity for the Portland Police Bureau to prove that it is here to protect and serve the community.
The real violent agitators are federal agents. If we can’t make them leave, please sign to protect Portlanders from them.